1. What is BMI for Children?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a screening tool for overweight and obesity in children and teens. For children, BMI is age- and sex-specific and is often referred to as BMI-for-age. The CDC growth charts are used to determine the corresponding BMI-for-age percentile.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Body weight in kilograms
• \( height \) — Height in meters

For children ages 2-19: The BMI number is plotted on the CDC BMI-for-age growth charts to determine the percentile ranking.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI-for-age is the recommended screening measure for overweight and obesity in children and teens. It's a reliable indicator of body fatness for most children and teens.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kg, height in meters, age in years (2-19), and select gender. The calculator will show the BMI and CDC classification.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is BMI different for children than adults?
A: Children's body composition varies as they grow, and differs between boys and girls. BMI-for-age accounts for these differences.

Q2: What are the CDC BMI categories for children?
A: Underweight (<5th percentile), Healthy weight (5th-<85th), Overweight (85th-<95th), Obese (≥95th percentile).

Q3: When should I be concerned about my child's BMI?
A: Consult a healthcare provider if your child is below the 5th percentile or at or above the 85th percentile.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI for children?
A: BMI doesn't directly measure body fat and may misclassify muscular children. It's a screening tool, not a diagnostic tool.

Q5: How often should children's BMI be checked?
A: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends BMI screening annually for all children ages 2+.